Name: Vanilla Cake with Tiramisu Buttercream and Ganache Filling
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 3 3/4 cups Cake Flour; 2 1/2 cups Sugar; 1 tablespoon Baking Powder; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 2 1/2 sticks Unsalted Butter (at room temperature); 1 1/4 cups Buttermilk; 5 whole Eggs; 2 yolks Egg Yolks; 2 1/2 teaspoons Vanilla; 6 large Egg Whites; 1 1/2 cups Sugar; 1 teaspoon Vanilla (pure); 1 1/4 pounds Unsalted Butter (softened); 2 tablespoons Warm Water; 1 tablespoon Instant Coffee; 1/3 cup Heavy Cream; 3 ounces Bittersweet Chocolate (chopped)

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When I think of a dessert that brings joy to any occasion, I instantly think of Vanilla Cake with Tiramisu Buttercream and Ganache Filling. This cake has been the centerpiece of many family gatherings, birthdays, and celebrations. I remember the first time I baked it—my friends were coming over for a weekend catch-up, and I wanted to impress them with something special. As I whipped up the batter and the rich, luscious buttercream, the scents of baking cake and coffee filled my kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere that promised deliciousness. With every layer I stacked, I could already envision the smiles on their faces as they took their first bites. It’s not just a cake; it’s a memory-maker, a conversation starter, and a ticket to indulgence. If you’re in search of a dessert that fuses the classic comfort of vanilla with the sophisticated flavors of tiramisu, this recipe is sure to exceed your expectations.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
1 hr 10 mins

Prep Time:
40 mins

Cook Time:
30 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
430 kcal

Protein:
6 g

Diet:
Keto, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
18 g

Tools Used:
Frying Pan, Whisk, Blender, Oven, Peeler, Large Pot, Saucepan, Chef’s Knife, Mixing Bowl, Wooden Spoon, Baking Sheet

Why We Love This Vanilla Cake with Tiramisu Buttercream and Ganache Filling

Rich Flavor Profile

One reason I absolutely adore this Vanilla Cake with Tiramisu Buttercream and Ganache Filling is its rich flavor profile. Each bite offers a delightful combination of sweet, creamy, and slightly bitter notes from the coffee, making it incredibly satisfying.

Impressive Presentation

This cake is a showstopper! The layers of buttercream and ganache create an elegant look that can elevate any gathering. It’s the kind of dessert that says, “I put love and effort into this.” Your guests will be impressed!

Versatile for Any Occasion

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or just enjoying a cozy evening at home, this cake fits right in. Its versatile flavors appeal to many people, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.

Easy to Customize

If you’re feeling adventurous, this cake can serve as a blank canvas. You can adjust the flavors, try different fillings, or even decorate it with fresh fruits or chocolate shavings. Personalizing it makes it even more special.

Perfect for Coffee Lovers

The addition of instant coffee in the buttercream brings out a unique flavor that complements the vanilla cake beautifully. If you’re a coffee lover, this cake will quickly become one of your favorites!

Fun to Make

Baking this cake isn’t just rewarding; it’s also a lot of fun! The process of layering the cake, spreading the buttercream, and adding the ganache is a delightful way to spend an afternoon.

What’s In This Vanilla Cake with Tiramisu Buttercream and Ganache Filling

The ingredients in this Vanilla Cake with Tiramisu Buttercream and Ganache Filling are carefully chosen to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Each component plays a vital role in the overall success of the cake, resulting in a stunning dessert that everyone will love. The cake layers are soft and moist, while the buttercream is creamy and rich, perfectly complemented by the silky ganache.

Cake Flour: The foundation of a fluffy cake. It has a lower protein content, which helps achieve a soft texture.
Sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture, giving structure to the cake.
Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become light.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and moisture to the cake.
Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and moisture, contributing to a tender crumb.
Eggs: Essential for binding and creating structure in the cake.
Vanilla: The star flavor that brings warmth and sweetness to the cake.
Egg Whites: Used in the buttercream for a light and airy texture.
Heavy Cream: Forms the base of the ganache, giving it that luxurious feel.
Bittersweet Chocolate: Delivers a rich chocolate flavor, perfect for pairing with the cake.
Instant Coffee: Enhances the flavor profile of the buttercream, adding depth and richness.

Directions for Vanilla Cake with Tiramisu Buttercream and Ganache Filling

Making this Vanilla Cake with Tiramisu Buttercream and Ganache Filling is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas. Each step brings you closer to a magnificent dessert that will impress your guests. Let’s dive into the process!

Preheat your oven to 325°F. Greasing three 9-inch round cake pans with butter will ensure that the cakes release easily after baking. Don’t forget to line the bottoms with parchment paper for extra insurance!
In a large mixing bowl, combine cake flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low speed for about 30 seconds until well blended. This initial blending helps distribute the dry ingredients evenly.
Add butter and 1 1/4 cups of buttermilk into the dry mixture. Mix on low speed briefly just to combine, then increase the speed to medium. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Look for a pale yellow color and a smooth texture.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 5 whole eggs, 2 egg yolks, vanilla, and the remaining 1/3 cup of buttermilk. Pour one-third of this mixture into the batter, folding it in carefully. Repeat until all the egg mixture is fully incorporated. Your batter should be light and airy.
Divide the batter evenly, with about 3 cups going into each cake pan. The batter should be settled evenly in the pans.
Bake in the preheated oven for 26 to 28 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a cake tester or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Enjoy the delightful smell wafting through your kitchen!
Once baked, turn the cake layers out onto wire racks. You can do this by placing a rack on top of a pan, inverting it, and gently lifting off the pan. Peel off the parchment and let the layers cool completely.
While the layers are cooling, let’s prepare the buttercream. In a heatproof bowl, combine sugar and egg whites. Set it over a saucepan of simmering water, whisking constantly until the mixture feels hot to the touch, about 5 minutes. The sugar should dissolve completely.
Once hot, transfer the mixture to a stand mixer and whisk on high speed until it cools and stiff peaks form, approximately 6 minutes. This creates a beautiful and fluffy base for your buttercream.
Add vanilla to the egg mixture. Gradually incorporate the butter, mixing on low speed. Add it two tablespoons at a time, allowing each addition to blend in well. Beat until the buttercream is smooth and creamy, which should take about 3 minutes.
To infuse the buttercream with coffee flavor, stir instant coffee into warm water until dissolved. Gradually add this to the buttercream, mixing well after each addition until you reach your desired flavor strength.
Now, let’s make the ganache. Place the chopped bittersweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. In a saucepan, bring heavy cream to a boil. Pour it over the chocolate and allow it to sit for 2 minutes. Stir until completely combined and smooth. Let it cool until it’s just firm enough to spread.
Once the cake layers are completely cooled, you can start assembling. Place one layer on a board, flat side up. Optionally, brush with sugar syrup to help retain moisture. Spread half of the ganache evenly over the top, followed by approximately 3/4 cup of the buttercream.
Repeat the process with the second cake layer, brushing on sugar syrup, adding ganache, and buttercream. Top with the third cake layer. Finally, apply a light crumb coat with more buttercream. At this point, you can either cover the cake with fondant or frost it with a thicker layer of buttercream.

Things Worth Knowing

Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you start mixing. This helps the butter and sugar to cream together better, giving your cake a nice rise.
When folding in the egg mixture, be gentle to preserve the air you’ve created in the batter. This ensures a light cake.
If you’re concerned about the buttercream melting, keep your kitchen cool while you work. You can even chill your mixing bowl ahead of time.
For a deeper chocolate flavor, consider using dark chocolate in your ganache.

Make It Your Own

There are so many ways to make this Vanilla Cake with Tiramisu Buttercream and Ganache Filling truly yours! With a few simple adjustments, you can create a unique dessert that suits your taste.

Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can stay fresh for up to 4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the cake layers. Simply wrap them well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and they’ll last for up to 3 months.
Variations: Feel free to add a layer of fruit, such as raspberries or strawberries, for a fresh twist.
Decorating: Top with chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, or fresh berries for an elegant finish.
Serving: This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it perfect for afternoon gatherings.

Side Dish Ideas for Vanilla Cake with Tiramisu Buttercream and Ganache Filling

When it comes to serving your Vanilla Cake with Tiramisu Buttercream and Ganache Filling, the possibilities are endless! Here are some ideas to inspire you:

Fresh Fruits: Serve alongside seasonal fruits, like strawberries or raspberries, to balance the richness of the cake.
Coffee or Tea: Pair each slice with a hot beverage for a comforting experience. Espresso or chai works beautifully.
Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or coffee-flavored ice cream complements the cake excellently.
Cheese Plate: Offer a selection of cheeses like brie or mascarpone for a delightful contrast.
Occasions: This cake is ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or even holiday gatherings. It’s sure to impress everyone!

FAQ

While cake flour is specifically designed to create a light and fluffy texture, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour. However, the cake may not be as tender. If you choose to go this route, consider sifting the all-purpose flour to remove some of the density.

The beauty of this Vanilla Cake with Tiramisu Buttercream and Ganache Filling is that you can make the layers in advance. Bake and cool the cake layers, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to serve, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting.

If you’re out of buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute. Mix one cup of regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it thickens slightly. This will mimic the acidity of buttermilk and enhance the flavor of your cake.

To ensure your cake layers release without sticking, always grease the pans thoroughly with butter and line the bottoms with parchment paper. This combination creates a barrier that prevents the cake from sticking, preserving its shape and texture perfectly.

Absolutely! You can customize the buttercream by adding different flavor extracts, such as almond or hazelnut, to create a unique twist. Just be cautious with the quantity—start with a teaspoon and adjust to taste!

Conclusion

The Vanilla Cake with Tiramisu Buttercream and Ganache Filling is not just a dessert; it’s an experience that brings people together. The layers of soft, moist cake paired with rich, creamy buttercream and decadent ganache make it a true delight for the senses. I encourage you to try this recipe and share it with your loved ones. Whether it’s a special occasion or a simple dinner, this cake is bound to create lasting memories.